28 THE HORSE 



However much scientists may teach the doctrine that the 

 subsequent offspring are not affected by any influence 

 resulting from a former alliance, practical horsemen will 

 not endorse their teaching. The Moors themselves univer- 

 sally admit, and deplore, the custom, but— the prices 

 for a good mule are so tempting they cannot refrain from 

 breeding as many as they can. In only very few instances 

 are animals to be now found free from the taint of the 

 donkey amongst their female ancestors. Too often it can 

 be detected by the shape of the foot, and there is also often 

 a faint list on the back, sometimes stripes inside the fore- 

 legs, and very occasionally a faint marking at the withers, 

 in the subsequent foals of a mare which has bred a mule. 



Barbs must have been imported into England in very 

 early days ; and it is on record that Alexander I. of Scot- 

 land imported two in the reign of Henry I. of England, 

 presenting one to that king and the other to the Church 

 of St. Andrew's. 



Of the Barbs there are three chief breeds, Mogador being 

 the nearest port to their natural home. 



1. Ahda. 



These are fine-bred, rather narrow-girthed, light-fleshed 

 horses, showing great quality, and in general appearance 

 like an English race-horse — in fact, it is impossible to discern 

 at the first glance that they are not thoroughbreds. In 

 height they are about 15 hands, though they are frequently 

 taller, and occasionally reach 15.3. They are bred near the 

 coast of Mogador. 



2. Shaioya. 



A strong, powerful, deep-bodied race, with great girth, 

 and short-legged. The general type is that of the English 

 Galloway, but with more appearance of breeding. In height, 

 about 15 hands to 15-1^. These are excellent horses for 

 work, strong constitutioned, with big bone. They are fast, 

 and stay well, and are bred in the interior, behind Mogador. 

 At Welbeck the Duke of Portland has a breed of Lippasano 



